Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has urged the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation to release records relating to its investigations involving President Bola Tinubu, arguing that concerns over potential threats to lives should not be used to withhold information that can legally be made public.
The demand followed an application filed by the FBI before a US District Court in Washington, D.C., seeking permission to submit confidential declarations explaining why some records connected to its investigations into allegations of drug trafficking involving Tinubu remain undisclosed.
In the application dated August 20, the FBI said it could not publicly disclose all the reasons for withholding certain materials and therefore requested that the explanations be submitted ex parte and in camera—meaning they would be considered privately by the court.
Reacting in a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku questioned the FBI’s argument that releasing the records could endanger lives.
According to him, Nigerians are already facing severe economic hardship, which he linked to government policies, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy.
“The FBI says disclosure could endanger lives. Which lives? Nigerians are already dying,” Atiku said.
He argued that the removal of the subsidy had contributed to rising transportation costs, food prices and production expenses, while also placing additional pressure on businesses and households.
Atiku maintained that the consequences of higher energy and transportation costs ultimately affect employment and the ability of ordinary Nigerians to meet their basic needs.
He reiterated his pledge to reverse the fuel subsidy removal if elected president, promising what he described as a more transparent system designed to prevent abuse.
On the FBI records, Atiku clarified that his demand was not for the agency to reveal sensitive operational information.
“Protect your agents. Protect your sources. Protect legitimate investigative methods. Redact whatever American law genuinely requires you to redact,” he said.
However, he argued that legitimate security concerns should not be extended to information that can lawfully be disclosed to the public.
Atiku described the demand as a democratic and humanitarian appeal rather than an attempt to interfere in Nigeria’s domestic affairs.
He said Nigerians have a right to access information that is legally available concerning the background and character of individuals entrusted with significant political power.
His comments come amid continued public and political interest in records reportedly held by US authorities concerning Tinubu.
Atiku concluded by urging the FBI to protect its investigators, sources and investigative techniques while ensuring that information that can legally be released is not unnecessarily withheld from the Nigerian public.
